Kermit the Frog’s Guide to Knowing Nothing

If you want to be successful in the film industry, getting over the hump of inexperience is the first obstacle in your way. You'll have to suck it up, push through, and hope you come out on the other side unscathed with a bit more knowledge than before – and maybe a 2nd job.

I didn’t promise anybody anything. What do I know about Hollywood, anyway? Just a dream I got from sitting through too many double features. – Kermit the Frog

When you step on a film set for the first time, there’s no way you’ll know everything. Like Kermit, you may wonder what you know at all and find the entire experience daunting.

Here are some suggestions to help:

1. Always ask questions: It’s amazing how few people actually utilize this common knowledge because they’re afraid to speak up. What’s more fearful: you ask a question and reveal your lack of knowledge or you don’t ask a question and make a costly mistake on set?

2. …but remember the answers: Asking a question once is understandable and respected. Asking it multiple times is cumbersome and annoying.

3. Learn names and get contact info: Introduce yourself to everyone as the first thing you do. Make connections with every department possible for when you decide where you want to take your film career. Collect phone numbers and e-mail addresses at the end of shoots — and then keep in touch.

4. Exploit life on set: Be a fly on the wall. Watch how lights are set, cameras moved, dolly track laid, and how the crew interact. Ask crew to show you how equipment works during downtime.

5. Say “Yes!”: Accept with enthusiasm any request to help that is thrown your way, even if you aren’t sure how to do it (see suggestion #1). You’ll learn faster by taking action.

Lastly, you might remember Kermit’s most famous mantra: “it’s not easy being green.” Nothing will ever come on a platter to you — you have to work for it, for your dreams.

I guess I was wrong when I said I never promised anyone. I promised me. – Kermit the Frog